IndyCar Series driver Robert Wickens has successfully undergone surgeries on his legs and hands, according to Motorsport, and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports stated that they were “completed without complication.”
Wickens is expected to be transferred from Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis to a rehabilitation facility sometime in the next week, according to a Thursday Schmidt Peterson Motorsports statement.
“The severity of the spinal cord injury he sustained in the incident remains indeterminate and under evaluation,” the statement said.
“Physicians stress it could take weeks or months for the full effects of the injury to be known.
“We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers and positive energy that has been sent our way since Robert’s accident,” Wickens’ family stated. “We are blown away by the strength of this IndyCar community and the support within it. While Robert’s recovery and rehabilitation continue over the coming weeks and months, your loving messages will certainly be a source of encouragement for him.”
The full list of injuries Wickens sustained in his Aug. 19 crash at Pocono Raceway have now been revealed:
- Thoracic spinal fracture
- Spinal cord injury
- Neck fracture
- Tibia and fibula fractures to both legs
- Fractures in both hands
- Fractured right forearm
- Fractured elbow
- Four fractured ribs
- Pulmonary contusion
“The IndyCar community has been nothing but supportive the last few weeks,” SPM co-owners Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson said in a press release. “We are grateful for their support as well as the exceptional care given to Robert by the AMR IndyCar Safety Team, the IndyCar Medical Staff, the surgeons and nursing staff at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest and everyone at IU Health Methodist Hospital.
“While Robert continues his recovery, we want to make it clear that the No. 6 entry is for Robert Wickens and him only. No matter the amount of time it takes for his full recovery, we will hold that seat for him.”
In 14 starts, Wickens scored seven top-five finishes, including four podiums, and won a pole in the season-opening race at St. Petersburg, which allowed him to clinch the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title over Zach Veach, despite his season being cut short.
About the author
Wesley has been with Fronstretch since October 2017. He loves well-told stories in whatever format he finds them. Aside from NASCAR, he enjoys reading, country music and OKC Thunder basketball. He has a BA in Liberal Arts/English and currently lives in eastern Oklahoma, where he works as a freelance writer/editor.
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